government officialls’ exemption from the obligation to appear in court if called to trial because of government duties.

Voter turnout was the largest in more than 15 years, 57 percent, despite Berlusconi’s appeal to citizens to boycott the opposition-sponsored referendum. The proposals were rejected by more than 90 percent.

Berlusconi himself currently faces three trials for corruption and one where he is charged with having sex with an under-age prostitute.